TUGs transport the horses from the aircraft to the International Animal Lounge
©Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
September 6, 2026 (Spruce Meadows) — The second of two Spruce Meadows-chartered Boeing 747s touched down at Calgary International Airport (YYC) today, bringing another group of the world’s top equine athletes to Calgary for a week of world-class show jumping.
The charter carried 49 horses from Europe, travelling alongside their professional grooms, veterinarians and flight crew. Following their arrival at YYC, the horses were carefully offloaded at the International Animal Lounge before making their way to Spruce Meadows, where they will settle in ahead of competition.
Spruce Meadows chartered aircraft lands at YYC ©Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Among the athletes arriving aboard today’s flight were Sameh El Dahan’s (EGY) Oscar A, Lillie Keenan’s (USA) Fasther & Kick On and Daniel Coyle’s (IRL) Gisborne, adding even more star power to an already exceptional international field.
With the arrival of the second charter and some additional domestic flights, over 100 horses have now flown into Calgary for the 2026 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’.
Horses travel in pallets in the aircraft
©Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Once they arrive at Spruce Meadows, the horses will have time to rest, eat, exercise and acclimatize to their new surroundings before competition gets underway. Their dedicated teams of grooms and veterinarians will remain by their side throughout the week to ensure they are cared for every step of the way.
Horses come off the trailers in a designated zone at Spruce Meadows © Spruce Meadows Media/Rylee Smolarchuk
The 2026 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ runs September 9–13, bringing together athletes from around the world for a week of elite sport.
The horses have arrived. The athletes are ready. Now, it’s time for the ‘Masters’.
Moments at the Meadows
After inspection, the horses head to their stalls
© Spruce Meadows Media/Rylee Smolarchuk
Peak-A-Boo © Spruce Meadows Media/Rylee Smolarchuk
The Spruce Meadows Horse Program assists international grooms in offloading horses© Spruce Meadows Media/Rylee Smolarchuk
Competition Highlights
Valclav Stanek (CZE) and Quintin tied for first in the 2025 ATCO Electric Six Bar and set a new record of 2.13m© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Wednesday, September 9: Opening Day
Opening day of the ‘Masters’ is always an exciting one, as many horses and riders make their first trip through the iconic Clock Tower and onto the International Ring. The day features top-level competition, including the TELUS Cup 1.50m and the Cardel Homes Cup 1.55m. The top three finishers in each competition are guaranteed a spot in Sunday’s CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex.
Thursday, September 10: Senior’s Day
Seniors 65+ receive complimentary admission to the grounds, where they can enjoy a full day of world-class show jumping. The ATCO Cup 1.50m and CANA Cup 1.60m will showcase top international competition, with athletes looking to secure valuable results and qualify for Sunday’s feature events.
Friday, September 11: TELUS Evening of the Horse, ‘Masters’ After Dark
Friday’s TELUS Evening of the Horse will light up the International Ring, with thousands of glow wands distributed to fans around the stadium as anticipation builds for an unforgettable night of show jumping and entertainment. The evening will centre on the ATCO Electric Six Bar. In 2025, two combinations cleared a record-breaking 2.13 metres—nearly seven feet—toppling a mark that had stood for 21 years. This September, the jumps will rise again.
Following the final round, Germany’s Celle Stallions will enter the International Ring before the night culminates with fireworks accompanied by live music from His Majesty's Band of the Welsh Guards from London, England.
Rewind to earlier in the day, athletes will have already had opportunities to compete in the Paramount Resources Cup 1.45m and the Tourmaline Oil Cup 1.60m. Both competitions are qualifying for events held on Sunday (Friends of the Meadows CSI2* Grand Prix and CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex respectively).
Saturday, September 12: BMO Nations’ Cup
Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States and Canada will compete for one of show jumping’s most coveted team titles. Medalists from the World Championships Germany (Gold), Belgium (Silver) and Great Britain (Bronze) will feature in the competition with Great Britain looking to retain their BMO Nations’ Cup title from 2025.
The International Ring will be divided into nine fan sections, one for each nation. Fans can enter the Wear Your Colours Costume Contest for a share of $10,000 in cash prizes, while the section supporting the winning team will also receive a prize.
Athletes from all nine nations will take part in the BMO Nations’ Cup Team Autograph Signing Friday in the Equi-Plex.
Sunday, September 13: Suncor Winning Round and The $5 Million CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex
Only the top 30 qualified from earlier in the week have a chance at the Suncor Winning Round where no matter the number of clear rounds, only the top ten return for the winning round. A great way to kick off Sunday at Spruce Meadows!
In the afternoon, Richard Vogel will enter the International Ring one victory away from completing the Rolex Grand Slam. A win would make him only the second rider in history to achieve it, and the second to do so at Spruce Meadows. If successful, Vogel will also receive a € 1,000,000 bonus.
Sunday will also encouraged guests to wear green, with $5 of each Sunday admission proceeds directed to the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation.
International Entertainment Arrives in Calgary
Germany’s Celle Stallions © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
His Majesty’s Band of the Welsh Guards will travel from London, England, bringing the music and pageantry of one of Britain’s most celebrated military bands to Spruce Meadows throughout the tournament.
Germany’s Celle Stallions will make their first appearance at Spruce Meadows since 2015. Representing the Celle State Stud and a breeding program dating back more than 280 years, the stallions will present demonstrations of classical horsemanship throughout the week.
The Blacksmith World Championships will bring farriers from 15 countries to Spruce Meadows for five days of competition, $176,000 in prize money and the title of World Champion. Competitors will be tested in forging, shoeing, speed and precision before the championship is decided Sunday.
More to Experience Across the Grounds
Corgi Races are back for the ‘Masters’ © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
More than 100+ local vendors will be located across the grounds, while the Nutrien Horizons Fine Art Pavilion will showcase work from more than 25 fine artists.
From Friday through Sunday, guests can also experience Lord Strathcona’s Horse Musical Ride, equestrian vaulting, corgi races, dachshund dash, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, live music, and more. The Kids’ Zone will feature pony rides, bouncy castles, mini animals, face painting and more.
The 2026 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament runs September 9–13 in Calgary. Tickets and the complete tournament schedule are available at SpruceMeadows.com/Masters.
